My name is Jay W. Nelmes, I was born in Petrópolis Brazil in 1965. Although I didn’t live there long, I remember enough of this beautiful country that it has always intrigued me. My older brother, John Charles, is 16 years older than me, so he had the opportunity to explore the jungle quite often and collect butterflies and a wide variety of other insects that he mounted in glass-framed boxes. His collection was fascinating and inspired me in the world of entomology.

With my attempt to imitate my brother’s work, it was in vain. His methods of using steam to open his wings and other methods of preserving them was something I never learned. We both left when he had gone to England while I moved to the United States in the 1970’s. old.

During my late childhood I still collected insects in an attempt to imitate my brother but I never got the skill to do it. Then I was drawn to the world of reptiles and amphibians, as this began to intrigue me.

I started building my first primitive cages for my first lizards which were anoles at 14 years old. The world of reptiles at that time was not common. So finding one in a pet store wasn’t really available. The world of fish and birds always seemed to be accessible, but not the world of reptiles, which made it more interesting to have and learn about.

Over the years I learned drawing, carpentry and electricity. I married my wife Tinamarie, and it was on our honeymoon that I knew she loved these types of animals when we brought home an iguana on the train back home to CT in a Styrofoam cooler.

My wife became ill for several years shortly after our marriage. It is then that I have focused my skills as a craftsman on the manufacture of decorative cages. for the world of reptiles since everything was focused on Birds & Fish. There seemed to be a demand for suitable reptile housing, so it was my mission to channel my energies into this field.

This allowed me to be at home to take care of her. I am happy to say that she is doing well and that she has been my assistant for over 25 years. We have traveled to over 36 states and now deliver these venues to residences, museums and universities, even celebrities.

Each of these enclosures is handmade and designed specifically for the needs of the animal. These enclosures are especially suitable for housing reptiles because I have designed them so that they can hold large pools of water. Most of these cabinets are usually personally delivered and configured by me, including interior configurations as a complete system.

And best of all, maintenance is quick because it comes equipped with an easy rinse and wash system.

Since 1997 we have been building and delivering these cages installing them throughout the United States.